Bhutan Queen Mother Receives Upendra Nath Brahma Award

Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, was conferred the 22nd Upendra Nath Brahma ‘Soldier of Humanity’ Award, 2025, at a special ceremony held at Bodoland University in Kokrajhar, western Assam. The award recognises her lifelong commitment to humanitarian service, social development, and inclusive growth, reinforcing cross-border bonds rooted in compassion and community welfare.

Recognition Of Humanitarian Leadership

The award was presented by the “Upendra Nath Brahma Trust” in appreciation of the Queen Mother’s sustained contributions to social welfare. She is globally respected for her role in advancing rural development and inclusive policies in Bhutan. The citation highlighted her focus on dignity, equity, and empowerment for marginalised communities, particularly in remote and underserved regions.

Role Of Tarayana Foundation

The Queen Mother is the founder-president of the “Tarayana Foundation”, which has spearheaded comprehensive rural development initiatives across Bhutan. The foundation works in areas such as poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, education, healthcare delivery, and preservation of cultural heritage. Its community-centric model emphasises self-reliance, sustainability, and respect for indigenous traditions, making it a flagship institution in Bhutan’s social sector.

Award Ceremony And Cultural Significance

The ceremony at “Bodoland University” underscored the cultural and humanitarian legacy of Upendra Nath Brahma, revered as Bodofa, the guardian of the Bodo community. The award included a citation, a statuette of Bodofa, traditional Bodo artefacts such as the sereja, aronai, and dokhona, and a cash prize of ₹2 lakh. Assam Governor “Lakshman Prasad Acharya”, the chief guest, described the honour as a reaffirmation of shared values of compassion, social justice, and human dignity.

Important Facts for Exams

• Upendra Nath Brahma is known as Bodofa, the guardian of the Bodo community.
• The Upendra Nath Brahma Award recognises humanitarian and social service.
• Taryana Foundation focuses on rural development and cultural preservation in Bhutan.
• Bodoland University is located in Kokrajhar, Assam.

Dignitaries And Regional Cooperation

Several prominent dignitaries attended the event, including Bodoland Territorial Council chief “Hagrama Mohilary”, Bhutan’s Home and Cultural Affairs Minister “Tshering”, Assam Minister “U.G. Brahma”, and Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority Governor “Lotay Tshering”. The gathering highlighted strong people-to-people ties between Bhutan and Assam, anchored in shared humanitarian ideals.